Charges filed against 2 in cell phone store robberies

Two Chicago men were arrested over the weekend in connection with a spree of armed robberies at several near west suburban cell phone stores in the last few months, authorities said.

Edgar Wallace, 37, of the 900 block of North Hamlin Avenue, was charged with four counts of armed robbery, Cook County prosecutors said, in connection with four holdups during which more than $29,000 cash was taken between late February and Sunday in Cicero and Elmwood Park.

Anthony Riley, 31, of the 4300 block of West Gladys Avenue, was charged with one count of armed robbery in connection with a Sunday holdup at Boost Mobile store, 1647 S. Cicero Ave. in Cicero.

The two entered that store about 1:30 p.m. and held it up with a .32-caliber handgun, while two employees and a customer were present, said Andy Conklin, a spokesman for State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Wallace and Riley got away with more than $3,000 cash from the store, but left the gun behind, Conklin said. The two were then arrested after police found them hiding under a nearby porch.

Wallace, meanwhile, started the spree of holdups at a T-Mobile store at 3026 S. Cicero, also in Cicero, on Feb. 27, making off with about $22,000, Conklin said, adding that he was armed with a handgun in every holdup.

Wallace hit the same store again on April 2 and got away that time with $456, Conklin said.

Wallace was ordered held in the Cook County Jail in lieu of $1.2 million bail by Maybrook Court Judge Greg Ginex. Riley’s bail was set by Ginex at $300,000. Cicero and Elmwood Park police conducted the investigation into the holdups.

A law enforcement source said police are trying to determine whether Wallace and Riley are linked to similar holdups in Bedford Park and Chicago.

Cook County court records show Wallace has convictions in his background that include marijuana possession and aggravated assault.

Riley has a drug-related conviction in his background and another for aggravated battery, the records show.